Neil Postmans Arguments on Societys Losses Brought on by...

Neil Postman, writer, educator, critic and communications theorist, has written many books, in addition to his recent book Technopoly. He is one of Americas biggest and most visible cultural critics, who attempts to analyze culture and history in terms of the effects of technology on western culture. For Postman, it seems more important to consider what society loses from new technology than what it gains. To illustrate this, Postman uses the Egyptian mythology called The Judgment of Thamus, which attempts to explain how the development of writing in Egyptian civilization decreases the amount of knowledge and wisdom in the society. He traces the roots of technology to show how technology impacts the moral and intellectual attitude of people. Postman seems to criticize societies with high technologies, yet he seems naive to the benefits technology has given society. Postman is a man who is caught in a changing world of technology who can be considered fairly conservative in his views regarding technology. His lucid writing style stimulates thoughts on issues in todays technological society; however because of his moral interpretations and historical revisions, his ethos is arguable. For every good insight he makes, he skips another mark completely. Postman divides history into three types. He begins his argument with discussion of tool-using cultures. In these cultures, technology has an ideological bias to action that is not thought about by users. He says that this

Globalizare Free Essays

I live in a country with a relatively young democracy. I experienced times when freedom of speech was prohibited and the access to information was strictly forbidden. And now I live in great times when bounds can be formed without the limits placed on humanity by the authorities, religion or race. We will write a custom essay sample on Globalizare or any similar topic only for you Order Now The freedom that Internet gives us is wonderful, we can change Ideas, share information, enjoy art. Now, the access to information means power and I would like to give an example of n event that took place in Romania and which the International press named It â€Å"Romania autumn†. Thousands of people all over the country, with no leaders and organized mainly on social networks, protested against the open cast milling project that would use cyanide and destroy four mountains In the area, project that Is proposed by a foreign company In partnership with our country government. For this course project, I used an Image that represent one of the most valuable resource the earth has – gold, an Image that represents a great work of art – â€Å"the table of silence† made by the great Romania sculptor constantly Branches and an Image that represents a masterpiece of late Stone Age art, The Thinker, believed to be the oldest known prehistoric sculpture that reflects human introspection. We, the viewers, must reflect about the true values in our lives. We must think about the proverbial â€Å"Golden handcuffs† and about the possibility that there may be a truth behind this concept that can be easily translated in to a money language. The viewers must realize the huge responsibility that we humans have in order to preserve the natural resources for future generations, to live in harmony with all the species that inhabits the earth and, most important, to find a common language with nature because, like it or not, globalization affects the entire planet, sadly, not always in good ways. Internet gives us is wonderful, we can change ideas, share information, enjoy art. N event that took place in Romania and which the international press named it organized mainly on social networks, protested against the open cast mining project that would use cyanide and destroy four mountains in the area, project that is proposed by a foreign company in partnership with our country government. For this course project, I used an image that repre sent one of the most valuable resource the earth has – gold, an image that represents a great work of art – â€Å"the table of silence† made by the great Romania sculptor Constantine Branches and an image that How to cite Globalizare, Papers

Christian Ethics And Feminism Essay Example For Students

Christian Ethics And Feminism Essay In Feminism And Christian Ethics, Lisa Sowle Cahill argues that feminist ethicshas much to offer Catholicism. For one, the main issues that concern feministethics are basically the same ones that make up Catholic identity. That is, howwomen and men define themselves in society, what means are available to them forattaining their ends- in short inter personal and social relations. Second, thefounding principles that guide feminist ethics are rooted in the tradition ofnatural law, a tradition well known to Catholicism. So, while the approach offeminist ethics has been to scrutinize traditions which seek to oppress women bysupporting unequal social structures, the guiding principles behind feministethics still remain well lodge in natural law. As Cahill says, it is in thefounding principles of natural law where feminist ethics and Catholicism meet. And it is also here where lies the main contribution of feminist ethics for thefuture of Catholicism. Cahill shows us, how recent studies done on Aquinasnatural law disclose that Aquinas based his ethics on very general principles. That is to say, Aquinas understood the complexity of life, and, unlike what mostbelieve, he was cautious about generating a rigid ethics that would oppressindividuals. Aquinas believed that moral discourse to be truly ethical mustfirst and most importantly begin with an understanding of the structures ofsociety and the culture under which individuals live. Hence, Aquinas lookedforward to developing a contextual ethics, and was cautious about generating thetypes of absolutes and universal principles that were later integrated into histheology. Although, Aquinas believed that universals were still possible, henevertheless, believed that these could only come after considering everythingthat makes up human existence. Thus, given Aquinas understanding of societyas a vehicle that brings people together to strive for the common good, areconciliation is very plausible in this area. As Cahill says, natural lawbeyond all things believes in reasonableness and objectivity, which is basicallythe same understanding that guides feminist ethics. Feminists, argue forfreedom, but only in so far as the common good avoids considering socialdynamics and inter-personal relations. Apart from rejecting unequal relationsthat arise from not taking into consideration what makes up human existence,feminists, like the natural law tradition, believe that a common good is worthpursing. So, while on the outset feminists may look like as if they are breakingaway from Catholicism, they are in fact much closer to Catholicism than one maythink. As new challenges bring the Church to question its ethics and as womenand men seek new identities, feminist ethics can help Catholicism make thetransition so that the challenges of modern society can be meet. I enjoyedreading Lisa Cahills essay. She brought me to see Aquinas ethics in a newway. I believe that Cahill makes an important contribution to Christianity byshowing us that it is possible to remain within tradition all while progressing. Often I find myself thinking if Christianity will ever be able to surviveconsidering its rigid ethics. However, as Cahill so eloquently showed me, it ispossible. The renewal interest in natural law is showing us that we can continueto press forward while remaining in touch with our Christian background.

Background Essays - Decolonisation, Sovereignty, Politics

Background Beginning with the emergence of the United States in the 1770s, decolonization took place in the context of Atlantic history, against the background of the American and French revolutions. Decolonization became a popular movement in many colonies in the 20th century, and a reality after 1945. For example Great Britain's Thirteen North American colonies were the first to break from the British Empire in 1776, and were recognized as an independent nation by France in 1778 and Britain in 1783. The United States of America was the first set of European established colonies to achieve independence and establish itself as a nation, and was the first independent nation in the Americas Introduction. Perhaps, before we can actually understand fully what is meant by decolonization i suppose it would be proper to try and talk a little on colonization. Reason being that if we understood what is meant by colonization understanding decolonization would be a minor one. Decolonization (US) or decolonization (UK) is the undoing of colonialism, where a nation establishes and maintains its domination over dependent territories. The Oxford English Dictionary defines decolonization as "the withdrawal from its colonies of a colonial power; the acquisition of political or economic independence by such colonie The term refers particularly to the dismantlement, in the years after World War II, of the colonial empires established prior to World War I throughout the world. However, decolonization not only refers to the complete "removal of the domination of non-indigenous forces" within the geographical space and different institutions of the colonized, but it also refers to the "decolonizing of the mind" from the colonizers' ideas that made the colonized feel inferior. The United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization has stated that in the process of decolonization there is no alternative to the colonizer allowing a process of self-determination, but in practice decolonization may involve either nonviolent revolution or national liberation wars by pro- independence groups. It may be intramural or involve the intervention of foreign powers acting individually or through international bodies such as the United Nations. Although examples of decolonization can be found as early as the writings of Thucydides, there have been several particularly active periods of decolonization in modern times. These include the breakup of the Spanish Empire in the 19th century; of the German, Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, and Russian Empires following World War I; of the British, French, Dutch, Japanese, Portuguese, Belgian and Italian colonial empires following World War II; and of the Soviet Union (successor to the Russian Empire) following the Cold War. Decolonization is a political process and vital internalization of the rejection of colonialist mindsets and "norms." In extreme circumstances, there is a war of independence, sometimes following a revolution. More often, there is a dynamic cycle where negotiations fail, minor disturbances ensue resulting in suppression by the police and military forces, escalating into more violent revolts that lead to further negotiations until independence is granted. In rare cases, the actions of the pro- independence movements are characterized by nonviolence, with the Indian independence movement led by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi being one of the most notable examples, and the violence comes as active suppression from the occupying forces or as political opposition from forces representing minority local communities who feel threatened by the prospect of independence. For example, there was a war of independence in French Indochina, while in some countries in French West Africa (excluding the Maghreb countries) decolonization resulted from a combination of insurrection and negotiation. The process is only complete when the de facto government of the newly independent country is recognized as the de jure sovereign state by the community of nations. New Stat/Old State, meaning in the international system Having understood what is meant by colonization and decolonization we should also answer yet another important question and that is the meaning of the term "new state" this becomes important in understanding the significance and peculiarity of this phenomenon. It would also help in understanding them (the new states) individually in term of age, growth and development. It is worthy of note here that our idea of state here is line with those born out of Westphalia Treaty of 1648 that gave independence to all dependences. These were political entities with organized government, well defined territory, population and sovereignty. In terms of age new state would be those state that came into existence, got independence or got decolonized after the W W 11 (1945). Majority of the countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America as well as some countries in Europe and Oceania which before 1945 were under some form of colonial rule are examples of New States. We shall use the the

Healthy Snacks Lesson Plan

Healthy Snacks Lesson Plan Title: Investigating Healthy Snacks Goal/Key Idea: The overall goal of this lesson is for students to understand that eating foods that are low in fat is important for their overall good health. Objective: The learner will analyze snack foods to determine if they are high in fat as well as identify snack foods that are low in fat. Materials: Brown PaperPencilsOilGrocery ads Science Words: fatsOilsSnacksLow-fatHigh-fat Anticipatory Set: Access Prior Knowledge by asking students to respond to the question, Why do you think people need to eat healthy snacks? Then record their answers on chart paper. Refer back to their answers at the end of the lesson. Activity One Read the story What Happens to a Hamburger? by Paul Showers. After the story ask students the following two questions: What healthy snacks did you see in the story? (Students may answer, pears, apples, grapes)Why do you need to eat healthy food? (Students may respond, because it helps you grow) Discuss how foods that are low in fat help you develop properly, give you more energy and contribute to your overall good health. Activity Two/ A Real World Connection To help students understand that oil contains fat, and that it is found in many of the snacks that they eat, have them try the following activity: First discuss what foods are high in fat and have a lot of oil.Then have students write the word oil on a brown paper square (cut out several squares from a brown paper bag).Then have students place one drop of oil on the paper.Next, have them think of three snack foods that they like to eat and have them write these foods on three separate pieces of brown paper.Then direct students to rub each paper with the snack name on it and wait a few minutes and observe the paper.Tell students to hold their paper up to the light to see if the oil shined through the paper.Have students compare each paper with the square with the oil, then record their data.Have students answer the questions: How did the oil change the paper, and which snack foods contained oil?   Activity Three For this activity have students search through grocery ads to identify healthy snack foods. Remind children that foods that are low in fat are healthy, and foods that have a lot of fat and oil are unhealthy. Then have students write down five snack foods that are healthy and tell why they chose them. Closure Refer back to your chart on why do you think people need to eat healthy snacks, and go over their answers. Ask again, Why do we need to eat healthy? and see how their answers have changed. Assessment Use an assessment rubric to determine the students understanding of the concept. For example: Did the student conclude what snack foods are low in fat and healthy?Was the student able to distinguish different foods that were low in fat and high and in fat?Did the student choose healthy snack foods? Childrens Books to Further Explore Eating Healthy Snacks Nutrition written by Leslie Jean LeMaster - This book is discusses our bodies nutritional needs. Nutrition: Whats in the Food We Eat written by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent - This book discusses fats and talks about the food groups. Healthy Snacks (Healthy Eating My Pyramid) written by Mari C. Schuh - This book discusses healthy snacks and how to eat healthy using the food plate guide. Looking for more lesson on healthy eating? Try this lesson on healthy vs unhealthy foods.

The Cater Administration and the Evolution of American Nuclear Essay

The Cater Administration and the Evolution of American Nuclear Non-profileration Policy - Essay Example t nuclear power cannot be used in our time, but these people overlook the fact that some marginalized countries already have nuclear technologies, and their nuclear potential is constantly increasing. Furthermore, it is considered that such countries as Iran and Northern Korea are developing their own nuclear programs. The aim of the Carter administration’s non-proliferation measures was to decrease the whole amount of nuclear weapons in the world and to control possible proliferation. Michael J. Martinez in his article The Carter Administration and the Evolution of American Nonproliferation Policy, 1977-1981 has analyzed the main features of Carter’s non-proliferation policy. This paper will briefly explain America’s nuclear non-proliferation policy from 1945-1977; it will also discuss the Carter’s ability to influence the policy process, as well as positive and negative results of Carter’s non-proliferation policy. 2. â€Å"Non-proliferation policy† refers to foreign policy measures directed at reducing world nuclear weapons through international treaties between states possessing nuclear technology or trying to have it. American nuclear non-proliferation policy from 1945 until 1977 has greatly changed. These changes were dictated by unstable foreign policy situations which were evident in the constant tension between the United States with its European allies and the Soviet Union. After World War II, former Anti-Hitler Coalition allies frequently disagreed and constantly confronted each other, which resulted in the Cold War. After World War II and in the beginning of the Cold War, U.S. efforts were directed toward stopping proliferation and halting the development of nuclear programs of the Soviet Union and its Socialist allies. American nuclear policy also was concentrated on assisting U.S. allies to develop defensive nuclear capabilities in Western Europe. Nuclear bomb testing by Fra nce changed the U.S. strategy pursued strict non-proliferation

Data Security and Responsibility of the User Essay

Data Security and Responsibility of the User - Essay Example Hence, the human resources department are tasked to track all head hunting and social engineering activities to steal the personal information about the game designers and developers by the competition. In this context, the gaming companies implement stringent Information security policies similar to the ones defined for any software engineering company. Dayarathna (2009) presented five types of unauthorized activities that can be carried out in an organization that is immensely dependent upon computer systems and because all their intellectual properties and data resides on computer systems. These activities are - access, use, destructions, alterations and disclosure. The protection of information against these unauthorized activities are carried out in three attributes requiring different controls - Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability. In my major, all the information assets including personal records are identified and their requirements pertaining to Confidentiality, Inte grity and Availability are assessed. Thereafter, the threats from unauthorized activities are assessed and the internal vulnerabilities are detected such that the risk exposures can be determined. The asset based risk assessment methodology recommended by NIST is one of the most suitable risk analysis methods applicable in computer systems industries like the gaming industry (Stoneburner and Goguen et al. 2002). The controls are applied as an integral part of the risk mitigation strategies once all the threats and corresponding risks to assets are assessed and documented. Identity management controls to protect personal records form an integral part of such controls. The records comprises of personal attributes, academic records and professional records of employees. Claub and Kohntopp (2001) argued that identity management requires multilaterally secured communication within an organization. Such a system requires that security concerns of all parties in a communication are protect ed and hence valid pseudonyms related to all parties need to be shared. If one of the parties is not able to share valid pseudonyms then the party is viewed to be an unauthorized participant in the communication channel. The companies having computer generated intellectual properties are very strict about such pseudonyms that are digitally coded in various access tools provided to valid employees. Moreover, all communication channels are secured using various controls like e-mails & attachment scrutiny (both in inbound as well as outbound), private e-mail sites blocked by a firewall, intrusion prevention systems deployed at the Internet gateways, telephone conversations are routed through trained operators smart enough to detect social engineering/head-hunting attempts, etc (Phua. 2009). Such mechanisms can help in protecting theft of pseudonyms related to all employees such that their identity can be protected. Companies dependent upon computer generated intellectual property are h ighly concerned about protection of personnel information that